Surmarine mine



0st, 239 E923.

Filed May l5 1920 @ci W. F. PALMFQ SUBMARINE MINE Filed May 13, 1920 5 Sheets-$116915 2 Wwf@ V W y d Suva/wmf,

/ Palmer W.` F. PALMER,

SUBMARINE MINE Oct. 23 i923. 1,473,628

Filed May 13. 1920 3 sheets-sheet 5 INI/EN TOR.

Allmm IFEM@ QZL-TENEY.

Patented Get. 23, 1923.

U N l S T WAYNE F. PALMER, 0F WASHINGTON, DISTRICT 0F COLUMBIA.

SUBMARINE MINE.

Application led May 18, 1920. Serial No. 381,287.

T o all 'whom it may conce-m.

Be it known that I, WAYNE F. PALMER, a citizen of the United States, residing at WVashington, District of Columbia, have invented new and useful Improvements in Submarine Mines, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to improvements in submarine mines and more particularly to improvements in firing mechanisms adapted to be placed in a buoyed mine although it is, of course, to be understood that without material modifications many of the features hereinafter described in connection with the drawings are applicable to other types of mines.

In order that a clearer conception of the objects sought may be had as well as the problems involved in producing a practical operable mine, the following explanation is presented:

A buoyed mine is subjected to the following forces and conditions:

lst. Tidal currents tending to move the buoyancy case away from its normal position over the anchor; for instance, when a 150 foot mooring cable is used in connection with a 36 inch diameter spherical mine case of approximately 250 lbs. positive buoyancy, a 3 knot tide will deflect this cable as much as 56 degrees from the normal.

2nd. Wave actions acting upon the mine case only in a vertical plane.

3rd. Countermining forces which may be resolved into two factors.

(a) A concussive wave radiating from the countermining charge which acts the same as would a greatly increased hydrostatic pressure.

(b)A second wave radiating out from the counter-mining charge after a slight but appreciable lapse of time in which the water is actually hurled out from the point of detonation as through the water itself were a projectile. It is this force which does damage to nearby ships and which might cause premature firing in nearby mines. It is a force acting against any radius of the mine case.

4th. A blow against any radius of the mine case caused by its coming into contact with the hull of a ship.

Probable misfires due to the first of these forces may be overcome by supporting the firing actuating mechanism on an inertia pendulum or universally movable gimbal rings. The second force is practically negligible even when the mine is at extreme dip because the axis of the inertia pendulum always lies in a vertical plane. The coun- -00 termining forces are overcome by locking the mechanism against the action of such forces in any of the several manners hereinafter described. The fourth force, that is the striking of the mine by a ship will cause the translation of the nline case as a whole. The pendulum, however, due to its free swinging condition and its inertia will tend to remain in its former position and will swing about its pivot, thereby making the desired electrical contact.

From this it will be seen that the present invention contemplates the production of an inertia mine firing mechanism which will be of simple and practicable construction, and so designed as to be unaffected by currents, wave action or tidal forces, or the explosion of countermining charges, and at the same time to be reliable and etlicient in operation when subjected to the forces exerted by a ship making contact.

A further object is to provide a mine firing device of the above characteristics which is proof against rough handling prior to laying.

A further object is to provide a mine firingl dev-ice of the above general characteristics which will not assume an armed condition until a predetermined time has elapsed.

A further object is to provide a mine firing device of the above general characteristics into which has been incorporated a safety faqcltor and complete firing actuating essenti. s.

Other objects will be in part obvious and in part hereinafter pointed out in connection with the annexed sheets of drawings which show two of the'various possible embodiments of the present invention. In these drawings,

Figure l is a vertical sectional view of. such parts of the firing gear as are necessary to understand the invention.

Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view of the upper part of a modified form of firing mechanism.

Figure 3 is a detailed view showing the method of producing lazy action.

Figure 4 is a vertical sectional detailed view of the locking mechanism shown in Figure 1 designed to defeat possible misflres due to nearby explosions.

Referring now to the drawings 1n detail and more particularly to Figure 1: 5 denotes a portion of the mine casing preferably of spherical construction into the upper part of which is inserted the ring mechanism herein illustrated.

It is doubtless unnecessary to state that the mine casing is usually spherical in form, filled with high explosive, and is provided with a battery and detonator. The circuit through the battery at the detonator 1s adapted to be closed by the firing mechanism herein described. As these parts are of well known construction and operation, the following description will deal only with the firing mechanism, it, being understoodV that with particular form of wiring, the detonator, and associated parts would be left to the discretion of the mining engineer.

Secured in any desired manner in the mine case is a chamber or receptacle 6 adapted to be filled with a non-freezing,

non-corrosive liquid, for example, kerosene. Supported at opposite sides of the casing, that is, the front and the rear with reference to Figure 1 is a gimbal ring 7, adapted to turn about the pivots 8, indicated by the dotted lines in the center of Figure 1, thus permitting rotation in -only one vertical plane. A second gimbal ring 10 is mounted on the trunnions 11, thereby permitting rotation in the vertical plane at right angles to the first plane.

In this manner a centrally disposed pendulum or inertia member 12 is normally maintained in a vertical position atall times against tidal action or wave motion. These forces act for the most part gradually. Firing` of the mine is prevented by reason of the fact that the gimbal ring will follow this motion and keep the axis of pendulum 12 inthe vertical. The impact of the mine with a moving vessel will, however, move the buo ancy chamber bodily to such an extent an so suddenly that the gimbal supports cannot follow as their movements are made lazy by dash pots 38 hereinafter described. The result is that, the pendulum 12 rotates in socket 43 and contact is then made and the mine exploded.

This inertia member, or pendulum 12,

comprises a relatively heavy weight. There is a recess in the upper part of the pendulum, adapted to be engaged by a pin 15 passing through a s ider 21 and normally held in the position wn in Figure 1 by means of a soluble washer 16, secured within the perforated cup 17 at the top.` Beneath the soluble washer 16 is a disc 18 mounted on the stem 15 which slides through a. sleeve 20 which in turn is adapted to slide through a sleeve 19 screwed into spider 21 when a second soluble washer 29 is dissolved. Abutting the sleeve 20 is a diaphragm backing plate 22, supporting a llexi ble diaphragm 23, these parts being associated with metallic bellows or other collapsible member 24, mounted within an auxiliary casing 25. A compressed spring 26 surrounds the pin 15 and normally urges the plate 18 upwardly. When the soluble washer 16 which prevents this motion is dissolved by the action of sea water entering through perforations in cup 17 relative movement occurs by reason of the compressed spring 26 and pin 15 is lifted from engagement with the top of pendulum 12. Pendulum 12 is now free to swing independently in response to any forces acting on it.

Supported in the lower part of the gimbal ring l0 is a tubular member 30, havin a valve 31 and metallic bellows 32, acting upon a movable diaphragm 33 at the inner end of the locking pin 14. When the iiuidin casing 6 is under compression the pressure will be transmitted through the valve 3l to the diaphragm 33 and forces the pin 14 upward into locking engagement with the recess 13 of pendulum 12. When the pressure is relieved, however, the compressed spring 34 will urge the pin 14 downward, leaving the pendulum free to swing when the mine is struck by a passing ship.

The return to the normal 0f pin, 14, however, is delayed for any predetermined time by the delay seepage valve 31, which due to the seepage factor delays the liquids in chambers 32 and 6 from arriving at an equilibrium through any desired time.

A small expansion chamber 35, Figure 1, is placed in the upper part of the casing 6. It as a very small communicating openlng 37, whereby the fluid in chamber 6 may pass in and out, due to the expansion and contraction of the contained liquid.

Itpwill also be noted that at each side of the gimbal ring 10 is a dash pot 38, Figure I 3, havingv a piston 40 eccentrically connected by strap 41 with the trunnions 11. The construction and arrangement are such that the gimbal ring is held from sudden turning movements as might occur when the mine is struck by a ship.

The electric circuits may be of any desired type, but it is preferable to use only one of the two methods herein described. A contact ring 42 1s mounted in an insulating base 43, as shown in Figure 2, at the upper part of the gimbal ring 10, while the other contact 44 is carried by the pendulum 12. These two contacts are connected in the circuit 45 which includes. the battery and detonator. It will probably be advisable to conduct one wire through the trunnions and gimbal rings in aninsulated manner, while the other wire could be attached direct, the manner of connection well-known to mining engineers. 'Ilhus when the pendu- :sol

lum swings beyond a predetermined amount, which will occur if the mine is struck by a passing ship the plate 42 will be engaged by a ring 44 and the circuit closed.

From the above it will be seen that the high pressure exerted by a countermining force acting on the diaphragm 23 will be transmitted through metallic bellows 24 and pin 14 will be driven upward into engagement with the pendulum and will lock the saine against any swinging movement. The pressure then being relieved on the exterior of the mine after the explosion the spring 34 will act to restore the parts to normal position. The action, however. is delayed for a predetermined time by seepage valve 31. n

In Figure 2 there is shown a slight modification of the safety device and ori inal setting device. The pendulum 12 and ooking means shown at the bottom of Figure 1 are, however, substantially the same as well as the contact device formed by the parts 42 and 44. The casing 25 is provided with a sylphon 24, backing plate 22 and flexible diaphragm 23. This support 23 is provided with a central passage 50 adapted to be closed by a screw plug 51 to permit the filling of the interior of the casing with the dampening fluid. A sleeve 52* is inserted into the support 21 and is turned down after the casing is filled to a pressure sufficient to hold the locking means 14 raised from the position shown in Figure 1. The upper part of this sleeve 52 is engaged by a soluble washer 53 and lock nuts 54. Openings 55 in the cap 16 will admit water'to )he interior to dissolve the soluble washer 53 after the mine has been submerged a predetermined time thus permitting relative movement between the part 22 and the sleeve 52. These lock nuts 54 also prevent eX- cessive pressure on the internal mechanism and the diaphragm 23 but they'are primarily to act as a safety factor during shipping for these parts are screwed down with sufficient pressure to place the mechanism in locked' or safety position.

The operation of the device shown in Figure 1 is substantially as follows Before launching, the firing mechanism is locked in the position shown in Figure 1 and as soon as the salt water has had an opportunity to act upon the soluble washer 16 the spring 26 urges the pin l5 upwardly out of its locking engagement. In Figure 2 the sleeve 20 will also be moved upwardly under the action of the sylphon 24 thereby to reduce the pressure on the li'quid within the casing. The reduction of this pressure is transmitted to the diaphragm 33 in the lowerV part of the casing thereby permitting the pin 14 to be moved out of working engagement with the pendulum by action of the spring 34. The mine is then ready for operation and a ship coming in contact therewith will cause the pendulum to swing, thereby bringing the contacts 42 and 44 into engagement to complete the circuit through the 'etonaton The normal swaying of the mine `due to waves or tidal currents will have no effect upon the pendulum by reason of its gimbal ring mounting. If countermining is attempted the initial force of the explosion will be transmitted through the flexible diaphragm 23 to increase the pressure Within the casing thereby urging the pin 14 upwardly into locking position with relation to the pendulum and will hold the same in such locking position until the fluid has an opportunity to seep past the valve 31.

The operation of the device shown in Figure 2 is substantially the same as that above described and a further explanation is believed to be unnecessary.

From the above it will be seen that the devices herein shown provide a simple and practical firing mechanism for submarine mines which will be reliable and efficient in use and operation. The mines will be safely handled and launched with the certainty that they are not likely to fire prematurely but at a predetermined time after launching.

Furthermore, there is practically no danger of the mines accidentally firing due to tidal or wave currents and provision is made whereby firing is prevented due to countermining. In short, the invention is designed to accomplish the objects herein set forth.

It is to be understood that there is nothing in this application to limit the actuating force of the firing device to an electrical contact.

It is believed from the above that the construction, the method of use, and theoperation will be clear to those skilled in the art and a further statement thereof is doubtless unnecessary. y

lVithout further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gistof this invention that others can by applying current knowledge readily adapt it for various applications without omitting certain features that, from the standpoint of the prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention, and, therefore, such adaptations should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalency of the following claims.

What I claim isz- 1. In a submarine mine, in combination` a pendulum, gimbal ring mountings therefor adapted to permit universal movement whereby the pendulum occupies a normal vertical position under action of Waves or tides, and means for locking said pendulum in fixed position until after the mine has been launched a redet-ermined time, said means including aocking member engaging the pendulum andheld in engagement under hydrostatic pressure, and means including a soluble washer for relieving the pressure after the mine has been launched.

2. In a submarine mine, in combination, a casing filled with a dampening fluid, a pendulum mounted therein, a locking means engaging said pendulum adapted to hold the same in safety position while the dampening fluid is underl pressure a-ndmeans for relieving the pressure of the dampening fluid after the mine has been launched.

3. In a submarine mine, in combination, a casing filed with a dampening fluid, a pendulum mounted therein` a locking means engaging the pendulum adapted to hold the same in safety position while the dampening fluid is under pressure, means for relieving the pressure of the dampening fluid after the mine has been launched, and means for aga-in locking the pendulum when the pressure on the fluid is increased as occurs during countermining.

4. In a submarine'mine, in combina-tion, a casing filled with a dampening fluid under pressure, a pendulum normally occupying a vertical position adapted to complete a circuitJ through the detonator when the pendulum has been moved materially from the lvertical position, means for locking the pendulum in safety position until after the mine has been launched, means for decreasing the pressure after the mine has been launched` and means for increasing the pressure when the mine is subjected to countermining.

5. In a submarine mine, in combination, a pendulum mounted for universal movement and adapted to close a circuit when moved materially from a normally vertical position, and lockingmembers engaging the pendulum at its opposite ends adapted to hold the pendulum against movement until after the mine has been launched a. predetermined time` said casing being filled with a dampening fluid normally under pressure adapted to hold one of said locking members in safety position, the withdrawal of said other locking member being adapted to relieve the pressure on said dampening member Whereby said rst locking means is withdrawn by the relief of said pressure.

6. In a submarine mine, in combination, a casing filled with a dampening fluid, a pendulum mounted therein adapted to complete a circuit Jfor ring the mine, gimbal rings for supporting said pendulum to permit universal movement, and means for retarding the action of said gimbal rings.

7 In a submarine mine, in combination, a casing filled with a dampening fluid under pressure, gimbal rings mounted in said casing, a pendulum normally occupying a vertical position and supported by said gimbal rings, retarding means for preventing rapid movement of the gimbal rings, and means for locking the' pendulum against relative movement inter d between one of the gimbal rings and the pendulum and adapted to be held in locking position by the pressure of said dam ning fluid.

-8. In a su marine mine, in combination a. casing filled with a dampening fluid under pressure, gimbal rings mounted on said casmg, a pendulum normally occupying a vertical position and supported by said gimbal rings, retarding means for preventing rapid movement ofthe gimbal rings, means for locking .the pendulum against relative movement interposed between one of the gimbal rings and the pendulum and adapted to be held in locking position by the pressure of said dampening fluid, and means for relieving the pressure on the dampening fluid after the mine has been launched a predetermined time.

9. In a submarine mine, in combination, a casing filled with a` dampening fluid under ressure, gimbal rings mounted on said casing, a pendulum normally occupying a vertica] position and supported by said gimbal rings,\retarding means for preventing rapid movement of the gimbal rings, mea-ns for lockmg the pendulum against relative move-'f' ment interposed between one of the gimbal rings and the pendulum and adapted to be held in locking position by the pressure of said dampening fluid, means for relieving the pressureon the dampening fluid after the mine has been launched a predetermined time, and a locking means adapted to engage the upper end of said pendulum adapted to prevent movement of the gimbal ring supporting said pendulum.

10. In a submarine mine, in combination, a casing filled with a. dampening fluid under pressure, gimbal rings mounted on said casing, a pendulum normally occupying a vertical position and supported by said gimbal rings, retarding means for preventing the rapid movement of the gimbal rings, means for locking the pendulum against relative movement interposed between one of the gimbal rings and the pendulum and adapted to be held in locking position by the pressure of said dampening fluid, means for relieving the pressure on the dampening fluid after the mine has been launched a predetermined time, a locking means adapted to engage the upper end of said pendulum adapted to prevent movement of the gimbal ring supporting said pendulum, and a soluble member holding said second locking means in position.

Signed at Washington, District of Columbia, this 9th day of December, 1919.

W. F. PALMER.` 

